GHBA members and staff recently gathered to observe the 80th anniversary of the Association with a beautiful spread of appetizers and cocktails, as well as photo opportunities made possible by the generous sponsorships of Builders Post-Tension, Hotchkiss Insurance and Builder’s Choice. Guests included past presidents, board members, and dozens of GHBA members who were also on hand to share in the official reveal of the newly remodeled kitchen.
Guests applauded the plaque in the lobby that honored Builder’s Choice for their contribution that made the update possible and for the leadership and vision of Ivan Madrigal, Builder’s Choice CEO.
GHBA Kitchen “BEFORE” 
GHBA Kitchen “AFTER”
With hundreds of GHBA members and staff occupying the GHBA building each year, and more specifically the kitchen area, there comes a time when a spruce-up and an update will be required. In January of this year, Ivan Madrigal approached the GHBA Executive and Finance Committee with an offer to renovate the first-floor kitchen.
Ivan enlisted Shannon Vestal of SteveShannonDesign.com and his team at Builder’s Choice to create a more useful and beautiful space.
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The process began with an impressive 3D rendering and a 360° tour of potential design options. With Shannon’s guidance, the GHBA team made choices on cabinets, flooring, colors and fixtures. The beautiful countertops and backsplash tiles were sourced from Linda Stewart and her team at Thorntree Slate and Marble. They included at no charge, countertops: Belvedere Quartzite Book Matched 3cm and the tile backsplash: Joliet Sapphire Prisma 3×12.
SteveShannonDesign.com’s Shannon Vestal, interior designer and partner, donated her time and services for the cabinet design as well as selecting all the materials.
“I was honored when Ivan asked me to be a part of the GHBA kitchen remodel,” said Shannon. “The opportunity provided me the ability to work with fellow GHBA members and to get to know some of the great staff! Transforming a small kitchen that services a large group of people required feedback from the staff which they were happy to do. The space is now functional, providing an immense amount of storage. It is bright, cheerful, and inviting for staff to enjoy lunch there and guests to grab a cup of coffee.”
Builder’s Choice provided the flooring that is Torlys Rigidwood Luxury Vinyl in color Canopy, to replace the brick that was the bane of those who dared to wear high heels. Torlys discounted their product by 50% for this project. The cabinets were Woodmont Montana Maple Doors in color Antique. They are all plywood construction with soft close hinges and drawer glides. Woodmont discounted their product by 50%.
Builder’s Choice also provided the labor and materials needed for the project at no cost to the GHBA. The cabinet designer was Asawer Jabbar with Builder’s Choice. Project manager was Mike Contreras, general manager also with Builder’s Choice.
“We joined the GHBA to be a part of the industry that serves our members, but more importantly, that serves our community,” said Ivan Madrigal. “The GHBA offices are the meeting place for members to work together to strengthen our industry. Updating and beautifying the kitchen was something Builder’s Choice could do to make the space more functional and more welcoming for all.”
The new kitchen cabinets were extended to the ceiling to allow for additional storage space. The much-used drink refrigerator was shifted to allow for additional drink storage in cabinets along both sides. A countertop range and wall-mounted oven were removed since they were rarely, if ever used, to allow for a larger countertop serving space for use by staff and guests who rent the Education Center. Previously, a small two-person table was wedged in by the kitchen windows. With the removal of the wall-mounted oven, there was enough space to add a four-top table to the kitchen and sleek new chairs, to provide a meeting or eating space at the far end of the kitchen for a cozier kitchen element.
“The GHBA is very lucky to have members like Builder’s Choice,” said Keith Luechtefeld, president of GHBA. “The kitchen was very much in need of a facelift, and Builder’s Choice stepped up in a huge way. We can’t thank them enough for all the work that went into this complete remodel.”
Caffeine fans will enjoy the new coffee and tea bar area near the kitchen entrance. This beverage station allows for stylish stowage of drink supplies with glass front cabinets above the counter and pull-out shelves in the cabinets below.
GHBA invites member companies to share a coffee mug with us, to display in the glass front cabinets at the coffee station. If you have a mug to offer with your company’s logo, just bring it by the front desk at the GHBA office (9511 W Sam Houston Parkway N, Houston, TX 77064) the next time you are in.
Thank you, Builders Choice and SteveShannonDesign.com for making the GHBA kitchen a place where our members and staff will want to meet, greet and eat in for years to come!
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